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Edmunds' Expert Review

The U.S. finally gets the M3 we've been hoping for. Its combination of speed, handling and razor-sharp good looks make the 2001 BMW M3 one of the world's most sought-after sports cars, rear seat and all.

vehicle overview

In typical BMW fashion, the 3 Series lineup is being introduced in stages. The first models to change were the sedans, followed by the coupes, the convertible, and the wagon. This allows BMW to maintain customer interest in their best-selling platform over the course of several years.

Sedan buyers can choose from an upgraded 2.5-liter inline six (models with this powerplant will now use the numerical designation of 325) that now makes 184 horsepower, or a new-for-2001 3.0-liter inline six (330 models). The latter engine, which debuted in the X5 3.0i, replaces the 2.8-liter engine across BMW's entire product line. Bumping horsepower and torque from the former engine's 193 and 206, respectively, to 225 and 214 in the 3.0-liter adds some noticeable punch to the 3 Series and helps keep it ahead of rivals like the Audi A4 and new Lexus IS 300.

Riding on the same platform, the 3 Series sedans, coupes and convertible receive a standard five-speed manual transmission, a sport-tuned suspension, and ventilated front and rear disc brakes. Two versions of the coupe are available: the 325Ci, with the aforementioned 2.5-liter inline six, and the 330Ci with the more powerful 3.0-liter engine, larger brakes and standard 17-inch wheels. The more powerful 330 coupe reaches 60 from zero in just 6.4 seconds and features a broad torque band. Both engines meet low-emission vehicle (LEV) standards. A five-speed Steptronic automanual transmission is available for those who don't want to shift their own gears.

Another new option for 2001 is all-wheel drive. Derived from the all-wheel-drive system found in the X5, "xi" models split 38 percent of the engine's power to the front wheels and 62 percent to the rear. The AWD package also includes a 0.7-inch increase in ride height and is available on both 325 and 330 sedans as well as the 325 wagon.

If you opt for the 325Ci convertible, you'll have to lower the top manually unless you pop the extra cash for the power top, but 330Ci consumers get this perk standard. All convertibles come with a glass rear window and rollover protection. Wagon buyers will appreciate the touring models standard roof rack and rear window wiper, but, as with the sedan, don't expect to carry full-sized adults in the backseat for long periods of time.

Safety equipment on all 3 Series models includes All-Season Traction (AST) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), along with dual front airbags, door-mounted side airbags and BMW's patented Head Protection System (HPS). New for 2001 is Dynamic Brake Control, which reinforces the driver's effort during emergency braking. Rear side airbags and xenon headlights remain optional.

With the arrival of all-wheel drive and more powerful inline six cylinders, only one 3 Series model still offers superior performance; the all-new M3.

2001 Highlights

A boost in engine displacement and technology keep the 2001 BMW M3 at the top of its game in the competitive entry-level luxury market. Larger wheels and brakes are part of the engine upgrade. Two-stage front airbags, reduced steering effort, a Cold Weather package and Dynamic Brake Control round out the major changes for 2001.

Top consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 2001 BMW M3.

This is my third BMW, I had two BMW
Z3's prior to this car. Those were
fun and sporty, but they did not offer
the thrill of taking corners at speeds
with such ease. This is probably the
best mix of power, performance, and
luxury available in any vehicle.

No wonder there's a waiting list....

ttocsffej, 3/20/2002

Everything you've read is true! BMW's E46 M3 is really a race car in street clothes. From the moment you fire it up, you know it is not your normal E46 coupe. My delivery experience at the BMW Performance Center was totally first rate! It's free and you should go if you can. Driving (their) M3 on the track gave me first hand experience of this car's true capabilities, which I'm sad to say will probably always exceed mine as a driver. Get one!

BMW e46 M3, Porsche performance for less

M3twm, 1/31/2003

An 02/2001 production car which quite
simply is the best car owned in the
past 35 years. Easily out performs all
5 911 Porsches to date with the last
being a 1992 coupe. Much more practical
than a Porsche and $20-25,000 less
expensive. Porsche performance with
seating for 4 WITH luggage. Easily
worth every penny.

rafic street king

rafic, 4/7/2004

i loveee this car fast reliability is
great doesint cost tooo much for a bmw
my brother has 2001 bmw m5 well both
great dont now why m3 is just my
favorite car

Features & Specs

More About This Model

When the last BMW M3 was sold in North America (from 1995 to 1999), it was an emasculated version of the car available across the Atlantic. While Europeans were ripping about in 321-horsepower M3s, we made do with choked 240-horse variants. Sure, they were great-handling cars armed with that razor sharpness endemic to all BMWs. But with the release of the more powerful 2001 330Ci making nearly as much power as the old M3, an upgrade was clearly needed. To rectify this situation, Americans get a new M3 for 2001, replete with 333 horsepower.

Yes, you read right. Three hundred thirty-three horsepower from a high-revving 3.2-liter inline six. That prodigious output, measuring better than 100 horsepower per liter, is generated thanks to BMW's VANOS variable valve timing system on both the inlet and exhaust cams, individual throttle bodies that improve throttle response, and other engine upgrades and enhancements. Those 333 ponies arrive at a lofty 7,900 rpm.

Capped with a six-speed manual transmission, all that horsepower and the 262 foot-pounds of torque (at 4,900 rpm) is good enough to propel the 3,781-pound M3 convertible to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds, according to BMW. The lighter 3,415-pound M3 coupe, meanwhile, reportedly gets the job done in an even quicker 4.8 seconds.

Just as enjoyable as the blistering acceleration are the aural delights generated by the inline six. The overused "ripping silk" analogy is still the best description of this wonderful engine's note as it sings toward 8,000 rpm. And like all M engines, it's a model of civility despite being so highly tuned. However, we can't apply the same high praise to the six-speed manual transmission. It shifts easily enough, but there seems to be more play than is necessary, occasionally making gear selection difficult.

Once upon a time, roadsters ruled the sports car world. Most serious sporting automobiles were drop tops, from the Jaguar XK120 to the first Corvettes, backing up their high performance with the ability to seriously muss your hair. It didn't take long, however, for engineers to realize that a car with a roof is a far better platform for a serious sporting machine, the extra stiffness added by the steel top a prerequisite for dealing with the immense loads generated by super-sticky, ultra-wide tires.

Modern convertibles, with few exceptions, have been relegated to Gran Turismo status  faster, yes, than the average sedan, but less sporting than the car's coupe equivalent. Even the Corvette convertible  350-horsepower and monstrous tires notwithstanding  can't hold a candle to the incredible handling prowess of the hardtop Z06 version. So the obvious question is whether an M3 with its roof amputated is still worthy of the red and blue M badge.

It certainly has the technical credentials. Save for a few details like curb weight (when a car's top is lopped off, the engineers generally try to compensate for the lack of rigidity with extra structural bracing, which makes a ragtop weigh more than its coupe counterpart), the convertible is every bit M3.

Expectedly, handling prowess is beyond reproach. Compared to almost any ragtop we've tested previously, the M3 convertible is a revelation. Any doubts we might have had regarding structural rigidity were dispelled on the Northern Canadian roads where we tested the car.

Few motocross tracks have whoop-de-doos to compare with the strings of paved potholes that Canadians call roads, yet the convertible performed with but the slightest hint of cowl shake. In fact, BMW claims that this version of the ragtop boasts a superstructure more rigid than the previous-generation 3 Series coupe. It's quite an accomplishment and the perfect accompaniment to the M3's superb MacPherson strut front and double-wishbone rear independent suspension systems.

In fact, were it not for the fact that we tested the coupe and convertible back-to-back, it would have been impossible to discern any palpable differences between the two. Not surprisingly, what performance edge there is goes to the coupe, mainly as a result of its 366-pound weight advantage. The coupe's steering is a little lighter, and it's just a touch easier to throw into corners. It's worth noting, however, that the differences are subtle, and we were hustling along at go-directly-to-jail, do-not-pass-go speeds. At lower velocities, the coupe's advantage is more illusory than real.

Both M3s stick to the tarmac like rumors of infidelity to a politician. Despite relatively modest rubber  the M3's 225/45ZR18 fronts and 255/40ZR18 rears, for instance, are substantially narrower than the Corvette's  driving aggressively produced not a squeal or even an untoward wiggle.

Inside, the M3 is pretty much standard-issue 3 Series with minor trim differences. There is a special "sport" control switch that changes the engine's drive-by-wire throttle calibration. Flipping the switch changes the way the intake butterfly valves respond to the gas pedal. In sport mode, the valves open much more quickly, lessening throttle response time. Another M3 addition are the instrument gauges, which are lifted from the M5, complete with orange- and red-glowing indicators that admonish the driver against revving a cold engine. There's also a surprising amount of room in the cabin, with easy space for four adults.

Useful standard features include heated, power-adjustable sport bucket seats that provide enough side bolstering to contain both driver and passenger adequately in ground-attack mode. There are front and side airbags (coupes get a head protection system for front seat occupants, too) for safety and, of course, antilock brakes are standard. BMW's DSCIII stability control system also makes the grade and the drop-top version of the M3 gets a Rollover Protection System that automatically deploys roll hoops behind the rear seats in case the ragtop ever goes end over end.

And what's the price for all of this power and technology? The coupe starts at $46,045 (including destination charge), and the convertible rings in at an even princelier sum of $54,045. Adding insult to injury is the lack of standard luxury features, including a dual-zone climate control system, a CD player or power seats. You can get these features, but you'll need to pay more.

Other options include a removable hard top that'll make the convertible more palatable during the winter months and a proximity-sensing Park Distance Control system that might save a few costly scratches to the bumpers. Also worthy of consideration is the navigation system. And there's a Cold Weather package. Throw the entire catalogue of options at the convertible, for instance, and its suggested list price will exceed $60,000. A fully loaded coupe can cost over $52,000. And then there's the issue of dealer markup, which will likely occur as long as the M3 is a hot commodity.

But let us put this into perspective for you. A Mercedes-Benz CLK55 coupe starts at $68,045 and a Porsche 911 starts at $67,265. Now, don't you feel silly for complaining?

Used 2001 BMW M3 Coupe Overview

The Used 2001 BMW M3 Coupe is offered in the following styles: , and 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 6M).

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